This study examines the policy landscape for climate resilient housing in Pakistan for households located on the periphery of three of the fastest growing cities in the province of Punjab, namely Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan. A number of policy landscapes exist, however there remain serious challenges. Most policies focus on energy conservation, but not adaptation; for example, the Housing Policy of 2001 addresses the issues of uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization, but does not look at climate resilience. In the absence of a regulated house-building sector, masons decide how houses are made. They advise the type of structure that can be built within a family’s budget, and most of these decisions are based on financial considerations rather than looking at the adaptation options for impending climate change. Yet an increased heat index, as predicted by most climate change literature, has potentially dire consequences for already vulnerable segments of Pakistan’s population. This study looks at the climate vulnerabilities and predictions, policies, institutions, agents, and various aspects of the housing sector, including urbanization and housing finance, in order to provide a background to the economic analysis of heat resilient housing options for growing urban centers in Pakistan.

Funded by: (Disclaimer) This document is an output from a project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS) for the benefit of developing countries. However, the views expressed and information contained in it are not necessarily those of or endorsed by DFID, DGIS or the entities managing the delivery of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, which can accept no responsibility or liability for such views, completeness or accuracy of the information or for any reliance placed on them.

The Sheltering Series describes the background, policy landscape, methodology and approach used by the Sheltering From a Gathering Storm team and highlights key issues that were discovered and explored during the project in India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Sheltering From a Gathering Storm aims to improve the understanding of the costs and benefits of climate-resilient shelter design, and contribute towards the transformative change necessary to make communities more resilient to future disasters. For more information about the project and other available materials, please see: i-s-e-t.org/SHELTER

Disclaimer: The Sheltering Series contains preliminary research and findings. These products are disseminated to catalyze discourse on timely issues. Most discussion papers undergo revisions, and some will be published formally in a different format.